Su Gibson, MBA

I joined the USCB faculty in Fall of 2015 and teach courses in topics including spa management, luxury hotels and spas, service quality, hospitality management, marketing, and accounting. Many of my courses are available online through partnership with USC’s Palmetto College degree program in hospitality management. I am currently earning a PhD in hospitality management at UofSC Columbia, and my research interests are examining service quality management and creating a sense of “welcome” in service environments.

As Assistant Director for USCB’s Center for Event Management and Hospitality Training, I head up the Bluffton Ambassador program and Quality Management initiatives while providing assistance to local industry. I also teach as part of the Center’s popular Island Ambassador certification program. 

Finally, I serve as the advisor for all current and prospective Palmetto College students in USCB’s Hospitality Management online degree-completion program. 

My 20+ years of experience in the hospitality industry includes operations and management of hotels, restaurants and spas. Most recently, I worked as an inspector for the Forbes Travel Guide travelling to four- and five-star properties, nationally and internationally, to evaluate the quality of service provided at restaurants, spas, hotels and resorts for the FTG star ratings, awards and training teams. 

I have presented at several conferences and industry group meetings about service quality, financial management for spas and the effectiveness of online education. My most recent publications include chapters in three hospitality textbooks: one on spa technology, one on spas and fitness centers, and a marketing case study. I also edit and produce the bi-annual department newsletter.